“Honestly guys, this one hurts so much. Especially after such a tough two weeks.” A dejected Aryna Sabalenka said after losing the French Open final against Coco Gauff last week. Despite her dominant performances throughout two weeks, the World No.1 and three-time slam queen couldn’t cross the finish line on the Parisian clay. This heartbreaking result is more hurtful for the Belarusian when taking into account her defeat in the Australian Open final, back in January. That makes it two in a row this season. However, a former ATP pro believes the 27-year-old may still have a shot at the crown on grass next month.
For the uninitiated, the French Open final at Court Philippe-Chatrier saw Gauff emerge as the new champion. In the last three editions, former World No.1 Iga Swiatek remained an undisputed queen (2022, 2023, and 2024) of Roland Garros. But this time, she was ousted by Sabalenka in the semis. Given her dominance against Swiatek – a four-time Roland Garros winner in total – the Belarusian was expected to come out stronger in the summit clash. Sadly, the result was far from her expectations. The performance was dull, too. Why so? She committed 70 unforced errors while struggling to overcome Gauff’s challenge.
However, former American pro and 2003 US Open winner Andy Roddick believes Sabalenka’s still a title contender. Especially ahead of the Wimbledon. It’s set to take place next month. Despite American sensation Gauff’s triumph in Paris, Roddick has full faith in the Belarusian. Talking to journalist Jon Wertheim, in an episode of his Served podcast, he backed Sabalenka saying, “She’s absolutely the favorite at Wimbledon.” Wertheim also noted that Americans may not stand much chance. “I would say Sabalenka 1, “Coco 2, Maddie 3 (Madison Keys)”, he revealed his expected women’s singles winners.
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 8, 2021 Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka reacts during her semi final match against Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova REUTERS/Toby Melville
While Roddick’s aware that she may have gotten affected mentally after losing back-to-back finals in Australia and now France, the World No.1 can’t be ruled out on grass. “Sabalenka is the clear-cut favorite. I don’t put a lot of stock into a match, besides like, is there going to be a hangover from losing two slam finals in a row and does that affect the psyche? Absolutely.”
But all things considered, “There’s not a person to be bet on more confidently than Sabalenka at Wimbledon.” Roddick’s confidence in the World No.1 is not without a reason. She’s performed quite well on grass at the All England Club. Let’s take a look at her track record at the ‘all-white’ major ahead of this year’s edition.
Aryna Sabalenka may have bright chances at the Wimbledon
Aryna Sabalenka first made her Wimbledon debut back in 2018. Being a fresh WTA pro, she couldn’t impress much and was ousted in the first round itself. Same was the story in the following season as well. However, in 2021’s edition, she proved her mettle on the grass court, reaching the semifinal stage for the first time. Unfortunately, she missed on the summit clash after losing to Czechia’s Karolína Plíšková.
But Sabalenka maintained her consistency at the Wimbledon in her last appearance at the event. In 2023’s edition, she once again made it to the semis before losing against Ons Jabeur. Apart from Roddick, another former tennis icon has made a positive prediction for the Belarusian. According to ex-British pro Laura Robson, the three-time slam champion is expected to lift the trophy at the Wimbledon.
“I don’t know who is favourite in the women’s Wimbledon event. I would probably say (Aryna) Sabalenka because she’s done well there in the past,” Robson told Sky Sports as reported on June 10.
What are your thoughts on Sabalenka’s prospects at the All England Club? Do you think she will leave past her setbacks in Australia and Paris to deliver a promising run and eventually clinch her maiden slam of this season? Let us know in the comments below.
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